Maya’s Gossamer
A Gentle Guide on How to Manifest Virtues in Children
by
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Gratitude Richmond is a very special town in the central Karoo region of the Northern Cape province of South Africa. The entire country is stunning and deserving of a visit. It was there that I discovered some lovely children as I stumbled my way through the sadness and deprivation of a squatter camp. One of the local ministers, a very young man, offered to take me to a squatter camp so that he could explain the situation with the families who live in such uncertain dwellings and who experience ongoing despair. As we began to walk through the camp, we noticed a few children walking behind us with great curiosity. Within minutes, we had at least fifteen children by our side, each taking turns holding my hand. I put my cameras to one side. I wanted to enjoy this very special moment with the children who had immediately accepted me as a friend. They showed me their toys as we walked and were very keen on showing off their agility with their plastic soccer balls. Some of the children had cloth dolls and asked if I could pick them up so they could properly introduce me to their companions. It was late afternoon and the laughter of the children somehow removed the poverty that surrounded me. In that moment, I had become a part of a world that was filled with joyous play, friendship, creative collaboration and acceptance. I’ve heard stories of certain nomadic tribes in Southern Africa who, upon returning from a journey, greet their community members by raising their hand and saying, “I am here.” The corresponding response is, “I see you.” The beauty of this greeting is the affirmation they make to one another. They belong to a community. They have a right to contribute. They are appreciated and loved. On that day, the children saw me and understood the contribution we were making to one another. It came to us naturally and joyfully. Children remind us of our golden path and it is our duty to make this sacred journey with gratitude. Affirmation I remember how windy it was the day I saw all of you playing with your toys made out of metal scrap and plastic. As I walked up and down your community I could see the innocence in your eyes. You taught me a valuable lesson that day, a lesson I have woven into everything I do. You showed me how to express gratitude in the most profound way. May your childhood innocence and your sense of wonder be your foundation as you discover your beautiful skills and talents, your gifts to the world.
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About the Book
Maya’s Gossamer explores the beauty of virtues expressed through the stories, affirmations, and images of a philanthropist and artist. Maya is an all-knowing child fairy who connects everyone with her magical thread—her gossamer. She travels to places near and far and knits or weaves virtues into everyone’s lives. These virtues serve to strengthen the gossamer even more. It is with this strength that Maya helps you to see the truth. Maya’s Gossamer takes you on a gentle journey with the children in your life and perhaps even with the child in you.
About the Author
Rachael Blair is the founder and executive director of Kindness in Action, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to promote children’s health and education in impoverished areas of the world. Her unique travel and work experiences have manifested a well-received kindness curriculum, which she has shared with many primary school students. Rachael is a graduate from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Oxford. She received a diploma from Paris-Sorbonne University in French civilization and language. She is a social scientist by training and is multilingual (Spanish, Italian, French and English). She worked for the United Nations in Rome, Italy, and for other multinational organizations in London and Tokyo. She also served as a volunteer with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) in China, where she taught English at a teachers’ college in the Yunnan province. She currently lives in Severna Park, Maryland, with her husband and is devoted to the advancement and protection of children’s rights.